First Handload

GMC403

GMC403

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Long time shooter, first time hand loader.

I just loaded my first 200gr Whelen rounds and am second guessing myself for powder charge. I used a Lee scale and triple checked the charge weight (54gr of IMR 4064). The charge seems to really fill the case though. Maybe it's normal, but most of my factory rounds I can hear the power when you shake it.





 
To make sure the scale is zeroed, put the empty pan on the scale and set everything on zero. It should be sitting pretty, balanced and pointing where it's suppose to.
If it's above or below the zero mark, look underneath the small scale section and you'll see a small brass knurled "nut". Move that nut either direction and it will adjust your pan's level.
I've been using my LEE scale since I bought it new when I was 17. I'll be 49 in a couple month's. They do settle down quicker over time, and you'll not find a more sensitive scale for the money.
 
zuke said:
To make sure the scale is zeroed, put the empty pan on the scale and set everything on zero. It should be sitting pretty, balanced and pointing where it's suppose to.
If it's above or below the zero mark, look underneath the small scale section and you'll see a small brass knurled "nut". Move that nut either direction and it will adjust your pan's level.
I've been using my LEE scale since I bought it new when I was 17. I'll be 49 in a couple month's. They do settle down quicker over time, and you'll not find a more sensitive scale for the money.
Click to expand...
I used the 4064 powder for 22-50 and .223 , the cases were filled up , more so than other powder. I think because it's a stick powder it takes up a little more room , where a spherical powder can fit tighter in the case. I did get a trickler for the stick powder because I found it very inconsistent , going through the powder thrower.
In any event they worked fine, however I believe the .223 were a bit hot do to the powder being compressed.
 
Around 58gr is max according to the only book I have handy and would be a compressed load...
Of course that's for a standard jacketed bullet and 3.075" overall length.

What bullet are you using?
 
Thanks for the info guys,

I did correctly zero the scale first, I'm using the Hornady 200gr FTX bullet.

Hornady manual says 51.5gr min, 58.5gr Max with a COL of 3.100". 54gr will hopefully push it around 2400fps
 
If you go to the Nosler web site and take a look at the load data they post up (for just about every caliber in every bullet weight they make) the have an (extra) spec - they give you the % of powder compared with case capacity (at the recommended seating depth of the bullet).

So you can see right away if it's a compressed load (how much it's over capacity) or whether it's at 80% or 96% or whatever.

Helps ease your mind a little when working up a load when you can look into the case (after measuring the charge of course) and say "ya, that looks like about 90%" (or whatever).
 
Well I survived, Lol.
Thanks again for the reassurance, looks like 56gr is this rifles happy load.

 
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